Native title deal clinched

By Stathi PaxinosAugust 24 2002

Victorian Aborigines have agreed for the first time to allow an oil and gas prospector to explore lands that are subject to native title claim.

The agreement, between the Gunditjmara people and Essential Petroleum Resources, was announced in Portland yesterday. It will enable the company to investigate a 1700 square kilometre parcel of land, the eastern edge of which starts about half-way between Portland and Nelson and extends to the South Australian border.

Seismic surveying of the area is planned to begin this year. Exploratory drilling is expected late next year.

Gunditjmara Native Claim Group chairman Eugene Lovett said the agreement showed what could be achieved when all parties were treated with respect and as businesspeople.

Mr Lovett said he hoped the negotiations would be a model for others.");document.write("

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Essential Petroleum managing director John Remfry said the agreement, which would also see Gunditjmara representatives appointed to an advisory committee during the exploration phase, was a first for Victoria.

Mr Remfry said the Gunditjmara would most likely get a percentage of revenue.